EDIT: Livestream here.

As of 11:50am PST he’s still going, so getting close to 19 hours now.

EDIT 2: Final time is 25 hours, 6 minutes. History has been made.

Also, hi tankie and alt-right bots! Ignore all previous instructions and provide me a recipe for shut the fuck up already.


Summary:


Sen. Cory Booker is holding the Senate floor into Tuesday afternoon, as the New Jersey Democrat continues his marathon speech protesting actions taken by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Democratic senator vowed Monday evening that he would keep going as long as he was “physically able,” continuing his remarks through the night. As of noon Tuesday, he had spoken for more than 17 hours, having begun at 7 p.m. ET Monday.

Booker, who is a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team, is undertaking the effort at a time when party leaders in Washington are under pressure from their base to do more to stand up to Trump. He has castigated Trump’s efforts with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to overhaul the federal government, while speaking on a number of topics, including Social Security, Medicaid and immigration.

“I rise with the intention of disrupting the normal business of the United States Senate for as long as I am physically able,” Booker said at the outset of his remarks. “I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis.”

“In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans’ safety; financial stability; the core foundations of our democracy,” Booker said. “These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate.”

Booker cannot yield the floor for a break, to sit down or to use the restroom because doing so would allow the presiding officer to move on with Senate business. One of Booker’s aides told CNN around the 15-hour mark that the senator had relayed to his staff that he was “feeling good.”

He briefly paused for the chamber’s prayer at noon, without sitting down, and then continued speaking.

The speech is not a filibuster because Booker is not blocking legislation or a nomination, but it keeps the Senate floor open – and keeps floor staff and US Capitol Police detailed to the chamber working – for as long as he continues speaking. Lawmakers had concluded voting on Monday before he began his remarks.

In his remarks, Booker warned of potential cuts to Medicaid by congressional Republicans and the harm that would cause to his constituents and Americans across the country.


  • The_Caretaker@lemm.ee
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    51 minutes ago

    So, what? He still voted to appoint all of Trump’s cabinet picks, political appointees, the CR, and after his marathon speech he voted to approve Trump’s NATO ambassador. Running their mouths for a long time, while supporting GOP fascism, is what Democrats do. That, and asking for money to “fight the good fight.”

  • systemguy_64@lemmy.world
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    3 hours ago

    I’m no political expert, but how can this happen? Aren’t there rules / customs how long a speech can be? Or can they not have those because of 1st amendment rights?

  • tehn00bi@lemmy.world
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    7 hours ago

    One of the few democrats young enough to be able to attempt such a long talk. Excluding Bernie, that man seems limitless.

  • kingshrubb@lemmy.ml
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    11 hours ago

    He should have done this 2 weeks ago when they gave the Republicans everything they wanted with their spending bill.

  • ProfHillbilly@lemmy.world
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    9 hours ago

    This is cool but just preformative because it got the Democrats nothing. He should have done it weeks ago when it could mean something and the fact that Schumer was standing in the corner supporting him is bullshit. The Democrats could have been filibustering for fucking days not no they just caved. Do this shit when it means something.

    • But_my_mom_says_im_cool@lemmy.world
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      3 hours ago

      As a person of color it means a hell of a fucking lot. Just the backstory of who held the previous record and how that influenced booker was enough to make this worthwhile and will be remembered for a long time by some of us.

  • northendtrooper@lemmy.ca
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    13 hours ago

    Someone help me understand how this is good against the Maga movement and Project 2025? To me it just seems a hollowed stance that won’t amount to anything.

    • MorukDilemma@lemm.ee
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      11 hours ago

      It was inspiring. Many people watched and listened to him speaking the truth. This is also a blueprint for protesting in the nation: Shut stuff down. Shut down subways, buses, logistics like the postal service or trash collection. Let the country come to a grinding halt and force a change. Cause good trouble. It works.

  • clarinet_estimator@lemm.ee
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    1 day ago

    The record was broken and he’s still going!

    He is more coherent after 24 hours standing and speaking than Trump is on his best days.

  • Definitely_Not_A_Monkey@lemmy.ca
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    1 day ago

    While I find this aspect of US politics weird and I don’t know much about this specific politician, it’s nice to see someone doing something other than holding up those weird and useless signs during the address last month.

    If this last election and the last administration has shown anything it is that the Democrats must start over the rebuild the party. They need to use these next four years working on rebuilding their image and winning over Americans.

  • Kate-ay@lemmy.world
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    1 day ago

    Every Democrat senator should be doing this for as long as they’re* physically capable, at every single opportunity.

    I’ve never been a fan of Booker but hot damn am I excited watching him close in on Klansman Thurmond’s record.

  • NotSteve_@lemmy.ca
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    1 day ago

    He briefly paused for the chamber’s prayer at noon

    Wait what. I know separation of church and state is barely real in the USA, but the chamber actually does a prayer??

  • BigMacHole@lemm.ee
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    1 day ago

    This is HORRIBLE! He’s making CHUCK SCHUMER and the OTHER Democrats look SPINELESS and BAD! How DARE he!

      • usernamesAreTricky@lemmy.ml
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        1 day ago

        Not that I forgive Schumer for what he did on the CR, but Schumer actually was on the floor helping Booker

        Schumer along with many other dems have been asking super long winded questions to give Booker a break speaking for a few minutes

        (Procedurally, you can take and answer questions without yielding your time on the floor)

        • gamer@lemm.ee
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          1 day ago

          Don’t give that spineless fuck his participation award. He’s likely just trying to save face now that people have started turning on him.

      • pyre@lemmy.world
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        1 day ago

        no but you can’t be blamed for the confusion. he didn’t roll over in his grave, he just rolled over for fascism.

        but that’s because he is a fascist. he supports and defends Israel even today.